Placenta Encapsulation Services

What is Placenta Encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation is a process by which the placenta, using the methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is steamed, dried, powdered and put into capsules for use by the mother in the postpartum period. Placentophagy, or the consumption of the placenta, is practiced by almost all species of land mammals in the world.

Why should I encapsulate my placenta?

It can help stave off Postpartum Depression, or "Baby Blues"...The postpartum period is a whirlwind for a new mom. Adjusting to having a new person in the family, carrying the baby on the outside instead of in, a change in sleep patterns and more can all be difficult to navigate in the early postpartum phase. Throw in the incredible hormonal fluctuations that happen after your new baby is born and we see the potential for what could be merely a period of adjustment down-spiraling into the all-too-common Postpartum Depression, or PPD.

Most of the hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum period are due to the placenta's role in the production of these hormones and the subsequent expulsion of the placenta (along with all of it's hormones) during labor. This leads to an abrupt shift in hormone levels, with some of the hormones (namely estrogens and progesterone) already reaching pre-pregnancy levels by only day 5 postpartum! Corticotrophin-releasing hormone, or CRH, is responsible for triggering the release of cortisol, the hormone that helps us deal with stress. CRH is usually manufactured by the hypothalamus but during pregnancy the placenta takes on the job, making enough CRH for 3 non-pregnant people (possibly to assist in the extreme stress of labor and delivery). Once the placenta is delivered it takes all that CRH with it, leaving the new mom with pretty low levels of CRH. Low levels of CRH have been found in people with depressive disorders, and so it is possible that this extreme contrast in CRH levels in the postpartum period is a contributing factor to PPD.

PPD is a problem that affects millions of women in the U.S. every year. It is estimated that an approximate 20% of women will experience some form of depression in the postpartum period, ranging from mild to severe. Several studies have been done that show a direct correlation between fatigue and postpartum depression. Not only that, but low iron levels have been linked to fatigue, impaired cognitive functioning and higher rates of stress and depression in postpartum women. The placenta contains tremendous stores of natural iron and iron supplementation has been found to greatly improve depression and stress levels in postpartum women. Placenta capsules have been used successfully in TCM for hundreds of years to treat fatigue.

Since the placenta contains most of the components that are lacking in the immediate postpartum period, it only makes sense that by ingesting the placenta, this postpartum hormonal transition can be smoothed out a bit and a new mother's system re-balanced more quickly than if left to its own devices.

It can help your milk supply...Many mamas experience a tremendous benefit in their milk supply when using placenta capsules. In fact, placenta capsules are also prescribed in TCM for insufficient lactation! One study done in Hungary found an 86%increase in milk supply in the mothers who consumed placenta. Because of its reported success, its natural application and how easy it is to obtain, it would be my first go-to in the case of not having enough milk to feed my newborn baby.

It can give you more energy...As mentioned earlier, low iron levels have been linked to fatigue in postpartum mothers. Because the placenta is such a powerful source of easily-absorbed iron (as opposed to synthetic iron supplements, which can cause digestive disorders and are the leading cause of death amongst young children) it's impact on fatigue levels can be quite profound. This new-found energy can be extremely helpful in the early days postpartum and beyond.

It can help you through menopause...Placenta pills will remain viable indefinitely if stored in the freezer. Many women find that they are feeling better and like themselves again before they finish their entire batch of capsules. If this is the case, the pills can be kept in the freezer until menopause, when they can then be taken again to support the hormonal changes that happen at this time.

I want to encapsulate my placenta! What do I do?

As a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist (CPES) with Placenta Benefits, my services are available to you in the postpartum period so that all you have to think about is your brand new beautiful baby. Hopefully we will have been in touch at some point during your pregnancy and you will have shared with your care provider your interest to encapsulate your placenta. Placenta encapsulation is best done within the 24 hr period following the birth, though anywhere within 3 days postpartum is an acceptable time period within which to encapsulate if the placenta has been handled appropriately. It is also possible to encapsulate frozen placentas, though fresh is best. When intending to encapsulate, the placenta should be refrigerated as quickly as possible following the birth (within 4 hours).

Encapsulations are done in your home using all of my own personal, specifically designated encapsulation equipment. Once the placenta has arrived at your home (either via the hospital or via your homebirth), I will arrive within 24 hrs for the first visit to prepare the placenta. This involves removing the membranes and cord, steaming the placenta, slicing it and placing it in a dehydrator which will gently dry the placenta. The following day, I will come to your house to grind the dried placenta into a powder and put it into capsules for your personal use.

The Placenta as Sacred: Tree of Life

Throughout time and in many cultures across the globe, the placenta has been regarded as sacred, some cultures referring to it as the little sibling of the newborn child. Many believe that the origin of the Tree of Life actually comes from the incredible tree-like pattern in the fetal side of the placenta. This incredible organ not only nurtures our baby as they grow inside of us, but it is also believed by some to be our original link to the natural world, a direct connection from our watery origins to the divine, innate patterning in the universe.

In some cultures it was (and still is) customary to bury the placenta and plant a tree over it, so that the child can measure its growth and resiliency alongside the tree. When choosing to encapsulate, this ritual can still be done with the membranes (the amniotic sac that held your child during their journey in the womb) and cord, giving your child an anchored connection to the earth, the same way the cord once anchored them to you. Some families choose to have the cord dried, either in a specific shape (heart, spiral) or into a circle which can then be made into a dreamcatcher for the baby (yes, I can do that for you, too!).

My placenta encapsulation services are $275 for anyone within a 30-40 min drive from me. Additional fees may be charged for further distances. Additional services I provide include placenta prints ($25), placenta tincture ($25) and placenta creams ($25). Please email me with your interest and any questions you might have.